Health Economics and Management / Doppelmaster

How to approach current and future healthcare challenges on a national or international scale?

The Double Master's Programme in Health Economics and Management gives you the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of two top-ranking universities. You are able to enjoy the advantages offered by the interdisciplinary approach and the participation of three faculties, the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Cologne and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. You study at each university for one year and will graduate with two master's degrees: a Master of Science in Health Economics from the University of Cologne and a Master of Science in Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management from Maastricht University.

The international master's programme focuses on how to approach current and future healthcare challenges through innovation. You develop an interdisciplinary understanding of management, economics and innovation in the sector. On completion of this programme, you will be able to apply economic concepts to medical questions and actively address the challenges of today's complex and rapidly changing healthcare sector with innovative approaches.

Key facts

• Standard period of study: 4 semesters, full-time
• Programme structure: First year at the University of Cologne and second year at Maastricht University
• Start: Fall term (beginning of October in Cologne)
• Partner: Maastricht University has a strong international orientation, reflected in its international student body and extensive international research. Its educational approach and learning methods are based on the principle of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). The Master in Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management at Maastricht University is offered by the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences.
• Degrees awarded: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Health Economics from the University of Cologne and Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management from Maastricht University
• Language: English
• Fees: Students pay a social contribution at the University of Cologne for the duration of their studies (around €285 per semester, including a public transport card). In addition, students have to pay tuition fees at Maastricht University during their second year (around €2,150 for EU/EEA applicants; for more details on the tuition fees, please see the information on tuition fee at Maastricht University).

University of Cologne / Maastricht University

Students selected for the Double Master’s Programme in Health Economics complete their first year at the University of Cologne and their second year at Maastricht University. They follow a study path that is integrated into the regular course offer of both universities. The programme is taught in English. It is based on the mutual recognition of credit points and includes a joint master’s thesis which is supervised by professors at both universities. After successful completion of the programme, students are awarded two degrees: a Master of Science in Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management by Maastricht University and a Master of Science in Health Economics by the University of Cologne.

Career prospects

The international master's programme focuses on how to approach current and future healthcare challenges on a national or international scale. Graduates of the programme are well prepared for careers that require extensive interdisciplinary knowledge of the healthcare sector. They are able to evaluate and improve healthcare systems, draft policy recommendations and initiate healthcare innovations in an increasingly complex and dynamic world. Possible areas of employment include:

• management positions in the public and private healthcare sector including hospitals, health care providers, health insurance companies and consulting firms,
• policy officer roles in public institutions or
• research positions at research and academic institutions.

Admission requirements

• A bachelor's degree with at least 60 ECTS credits in Health Economics and/or the field of Business Administration and Economics, at least 15 ECTS credits in Medicine and at least 18 ECTS credits in the field of Methods in Health Economics. Please note the specifications on the allocation of courses to the subject areas.
• Overall grade equivalent to at least 2.7 (German grading system) in the bachelor's degree
• English language skills (see the information here)

Application

Application Deadline: From April onwards, you can submit your application via the WiSo Faculty's Master's Application Portal. The deadline for this application will be 15 May. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree acquired outside of Germany and not from Maastricht University must additionally apply via uni-assist online and via post by 30 April.

Please check the website of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Cologne for more information on the programme, entry requirements and the application procedure.